Edward Ernest Bergey

Edward — Karen Yvonne Rudy. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-39994
• Misfortune: 1954; partially disabled in farm accident

Notes:

BERGEY, David D. -- Of Haysville, passed away on Sunday, April 6, 1980, at Wellesley Hospital, Toronto. Born near New Dundee in 1916, he was the son of Gilbert Bergy and Angeline Martin, who predeceased him. He is survived by his wife, Lorna (Shantz) and sons Edward and Robert of Bramalea, Ont., and five grandchildren. Thoughout his lifetime, Mr. Bergey served in various church and community organizations, including the Mennonite Conference of Ontario; Conrad Grebel College Board of Governors; the Wilmot Township Public School Area; Ontario School Trustees and Ratepayers Association; the Pennsylvania-German Folklore Society of Ontario and the Waterloo County Farm Safety Committee. The family will receive friends and relatives may call at the Omand- Jutzi Funeral Home, Huron St., New Hamburg, between 2-5 and 7-9 p.m., on Tuesday. A private burial service will be held on Wednesday afternoon, followed by a memorial service at 7: 30 p.m., at the Nith Valley Mennonite Church on Waterloo County Road 3, south of New Hamburg. Rev. Amzie Brubaher will officiate at both services.

The Kitchener-Waterloo Record 7 Apr 1980

____________________

Bergey, David D., son of Gilbert and Angeline (Martin) Bergey, was born near New Dundee, Ont., Feb. 6, 1916, died at Wellesley Hospital, Toronto, Ont., Feb. 6, 1980; aged 64 y. On May 29, 1940, he was married to Lorna Shantz, who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons (Edward and Robert) and 5 grandchildren. He was a member of the Nith Valley Mennonite Church, where memorial services were held on Apr. 9, in charge of Amzie Brubacher, Vernon Leis, and Osiah Horst; interment in Blenheim Mennonite Church Cemetery.

Gospel Herald Volume 73, Number 20 - May 13, 1980, page 398

David married Lorna Lucille Shantz 20 May 1940. Lorna (daughter of Walter C. Shantz and Selina Shirk) was born 29 May 1921; died 22 Mar 2009, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Interesting: public service, education
• Public Service: Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation member
• Name: Lorna Lucille Bergey
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-40003

Notes:

BERGEY, Lorna Lucille (nee Shantz) - Died peacefully at Cambridge Memorial Hospital, on Saturday, March 22, 2009, in her 88th years. Lorna was the loving wife of the late David D. Bergey who predeceased her in 1980. Survived by sons, Edward (Karen Rudy) and Robert (Linda Penner) both of Brampton, Grandchildren Christopher (Lisa Moretti) Bergey of Woodbridge, Suzanne (Jeremy) Stacey of Brampton. Fondly remembered by eight great-grandchildren. Also survived by siblings, Jean Culb (Vineland), Kenneth and Marie Shantz, Wilbur and Kay Shantz, Joanne Hunsberger, Beth and Paul Good all of New Hamburg and Kathryn Leatherman of Elkhart, Indiana and sister-in-law, Vaughn Waddle. Predeceased by Clyde Shantz. Lorna was a resident of Fairview Suites, Cambridge and formerly resided in Eastwood Community (Kitchener), Haysville and New Dundee. In 1988 Lorna retired form Bergey's Cheese that she and her husband David had operated for 38 years. She tirelessly volunteered her time and held leadership positions throughout her life in a variety of Mennonite Church and Community organizations. These include Mennonite Women's Mission Service Commission, New Dundee Public Library, Doon Pioneer Village, North Waterloo Cancer Society, Waterloo Historical Society, Historical Committee of the Mennonite Church of North America, Mennonite Archives of Ontario (Conrad Grebel), Pennsylvania Folklore Society of Ontario, Mennonite Historical Society of Canada, Mennonite Bi-Centennial Commission, MCEC Historical Committee, Mennonite Historical Society of Canada, Mennonite Historical Society of Ontario and Ontario Mennonite Credit Union, in many of these organizations Lorna pioneered as the first woman to hold leadership positions. Lorna was a fervent supporter of the Mennonite Church through the Mennonite Central Committee, Mennonite Foundation, and Mennonite Economic Development Association. Her encyclopedic knowledge of Mennonite History allowed her to assist many history writers over several decades. In addition to her long list of historical articles and sketches she has also been an acknowledged source in many local histories. At the time of her death, Lorna was a member of the First Mennonite Church, Kitchener. Relatives and friends may visit at Ratz-Bechtel Funeral Home and Chapel (621 King St. W., Kitchener) on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at First Mennonite Church (800 King St. E., Kitchener) on Saturday March 28, 2009 at 10 a.m. As expressions of sympathy donations may be made to Mennonite Central Committee by calling the funeral home at 519-745-9495.

The Waterloo Region Record - Mar. 24, 2009

______________________

A lover of local history

As one of Waterloo Region's most respected Mennonite historians, Lorna Bergey was honoured many times. Academics called on her vast knowledge when writing books, yet such attention made her uncomfortable. "To her, she was just a farm wife with a Grade 8 education," said her son, Ed Bergey of Brampton. By her late 60s, Lorna was finally feeling confident and deserving of the respect, but it would never be anything she'd brag about. Her Mennonite upbringing of humility meant the work was important, not the accolades. Ed said that Lorna was both "happy and mortified" at every new award.

Lorna was born the eldest of eight children to a Mennonite farming family near Baden. In Grade 8 she passed her high school entrance examinations but dreams of an education would be dashed by responsibilities at home caring for siblings and an ailing mother.

In a 2001 Record interview she said, "Can you imagine, I was only 12 years old? From this experience, I learned that girls and women were expected to serve their appointed homes, but I also learned when something needs to be done, you do it." Lorna lived up to those responsibilities even though she would also fill every free moment absorbing books and information, particularly related to her heritage.

She once said, "I don't think I ever thought of it as being interesting to anyone else. I don't think that the generation of my parents felt too comfortable exposed to the public view. For my generation, I sort of feel that credit should be given where credit is due."

Lorna's life had been about caring for others, until she met David Bergey at a church function and fell in love. Her father, however, dictated there would be no marriage until she turned 19. "On May 29, on her 19th birthday, she got married," Ed said. The couple raised two sons, Ed and Robert, while running a farm, though due to poor financial returns David sold his cattle, did contract work for other farmers and expanded a cheese-making business at their farm, started as a sideline by his grandmother in 1872.

In 1954 David was seriously injured after plunging 14 metres from a silo. He spent the rest of his life in and out of hospital. It was up to Lorna to take charge. According to her sons, she did a splendid job. She built Bergey Cheese into a profitable business by closing down their own small cheese-making operation and selling selected products from other companies. Eventually Bergey Cheese ran stores in Toronto and Hamilton as well as vendors' stalls at five farmers' markets.

"There was no health insurance in those days," Lorna once recalled. "So two years of mounting medical bills made it a sink-or-swim proposition. It was our bread and butter."

In 1988, eight years after David died, Lorna closed the successful business, which gave her time to pursue historical research.

In 2001, she was part of a documentary produced by the Pennsylvania German Folklore Society of Ontario and she was a veteran volunteer archivist at Conrad Grebel University College, largely responsible for creating the Mennonite collection.

"She was very gifted at getting people to donate things," said Sam Steiner, now a retired archivist at the college. He talked about how Lorna stayed on to help him after he was hired in 1974 and how her rich, detailed stories gave vibrancy to historical facts. She was "the person who helped to gather the building blocks for people writing about history."

Lorna was also the first woman to serve in leadership roles in numerous Mennonite historical societies. Sam remembers her as a serious woman, plainly dressed and never without a hat. Ed added that while his mother was not the soft, cuddly sort, she was a good mother, one they admired for her resilience, her toughness and honesty. "She took life as it came and lived her faith," said Ed^.

The Waterloo Region Record 14 Apr 2009 Valerie Hill RECORD STAFF

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00004-892.5
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1901, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer
• Occupation: 1911, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1911, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Bergey, Gilbert (1877-1950)

"Gilbert Bergey, church leader and dairy farmer; b.13 September, 1877 in Waterloo County, Ontario to David and Louisa (Bowman) Bergey . He was the eldest son in a family of four sons and three daughters. On 8 October 1902 he married Angeline (Angie) Martin (19 November 1877-27 February 1942) in Elmira. They were members of the Blenheim Mennonite Church near New Dundee and took up residence on the Bergey dairy farm. They had one son, David. Gilbert Bergey died 16 January 1950 and was buried at the Blenheim Mennonite Church.

Both Gilbert and Angie taught Sunday School classes. As a young man, Gilbert taught the Young Ladies' Class; his next assignment was the Mothers' Class. Angie found her niche in teaching the Beginners' Class. Gilbert led congregational singing using a "tuning fork" to get the pitch; he was never known to falter when the music was written in "shaped notes".

In 1921, Gilbert's father, David Bergey, the aged deacon at Blenheim asked to step back from active service. When the voice of the congregation was sought and the lot was cast, it fell on Gilbert who succeeded his father as deacon on 17 July 1921 . He also followed his father as secretary of the Mennonite Conference of Ontario from 1922-1940. He also served on the conference Welfare Board organized to assist indigent widows and orphans and to counsel persons in financial difficulty within the Ontario conference constituency.
In his vocation as a dairy farmer, Gilbert processed most of his milk supply into cheese which he sold at a nearby Farmers Market. He also sent a small quantity of milk to the local New Dundee Co-Operative Creamery. This led to a call on his counseling skills by non-Mennonite neighbors. In the mid 1930s a sharp controversy arose between the co-operative's directors and its patrons. Due to Gilbert Bergey's reputation in as a skillful mediator, he was elected as a director. It was a demanding request to which he responded with hesitation but served with integrity.

Gilbert Bergey has a quiet and cheerful nature. He was sought by many for his wise counsel; he was a stable voice in the Ontario Mennonite community in the decades prior to World War II."

Bergey, Lorna. "Bergey, Gilbert (1877-1950)." Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. June 2004. Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. Retrieved 12 Nov 2005

_______________________

Bergey. --- Gilbert, eldest son of David and Louisa (Bowman) Bergey, was born Sept. 13, 1877; died at the Galt, Ont., General Hospital, Jan. 16, 1950; aged 72 y. 4 m. 3 d. Death followed two years of failing health. On Oct. 8, 1902, he was married to Angeline Martin, who predeceased him Feb. 27, 1942. Surviving are one son (David), 2 grandsons, one adopted son (William), 2 granddaughters, 2 brothers (Milton, Ancaster, Ont.; and Herbert, New Hamburg, Ont.), and one sister (Mrs. Fred Millar, Kitchener, Ont.). At the age of nineteen he united with the Blenheim, Ont., Mennonite Church, where he was called to the office of deacon on July 17, 1921. From 1922 to 1940 he served as secretary of the Ontario Mennonite Conference. He had a quiet and cheerful nature. His timely counsel will be missed. Funeral services were held Jan. 19 at the home by Moses S. Bowman and at the Blenheim Church, where S. F. Coffman, conducted the devotional period and J. B. Martin, Ontario Conference moderator, preached the sermon. Text: I Thess. 1: 9, 10.

Gospel Herald - Volume XLIII, Number 14 - April 4, 1950 ----- page 334, 335

Gilbert — Angeline Martin. Angeline (daughter of Amos S. Martin and Magdaline G. Musselman) was born Nov 1878, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 27 Feb 1942, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Angeline Bergey
• Eby ID Number: 00075-4297.5
• Residence: 1891, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1911, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00110-6734.6
• Occupation: 1911, Haysville, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer, Farm
• Residence: 1911, Haysville, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1937, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Shantz, Walter C., son of Noah S. and Susannah (Cassel) Shantz, was born in Wilmot Township, Ont., Apr. 13, 1894; died at Cambridge, Ont., Dec. 10, 1987; aged 93 y. On Jan. 7, 1920, he was married to Selina Shirk, who preceded him in death in 1979. He is survived by 2 sons (Kenneth and Wilbur), 5 daughters (Lorna Bergey, Jeanne Culp, Joanne Hunsberger, Kathryn Leatherman, and Beth Good), and a sister (Marion Steiner). He was preceded in death by a son (Clyde), 3 brothers (Eden, Lincoln, and Stauffer), and a sister (Mrs. Laura Good). He was a member of the Nith Valley Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Dec. 13, in charge of Amzie Brubacher and James Sider; interment in Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery^.1a

Gospel Herald - Volume 81, Number 2 -January 12, 1988, page 30

Walter married Selina Shirk 7 Jan 1920, Bridgeport (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Selina (daughter of Peter Shirk and Judith Weber) was born 21 May 1898, Bridgeport (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 14 Jun 1979, St. Jacobs, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Selina Shantz
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-28571
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Other Events:

• Interesting: religion
• Eby ID Number: 00004-892
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1872, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; School Teacher
• Residence: 1872, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1901, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1911, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1911, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

David E. Bergey, "was born July 3rd, 1845. He is a farmer and resides near New Dundee. Some years ago he was ordained as a deacon of the Mennonite Church. He is married to Louisa, daughter of Rev. Moses S. Bowman. Their family consists of seven children".

Eby, Ezra E. (1895). A biographical history of Waterloo township and other townships of the county: being a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character. Berlin [Kitchener, Ont.]: [s.n.].

________________


Bergey David Bergey was born in Preston, Ont., on July 3, 1845. He passed to his eternal reward on March 25, 1932; aged 86 y. 8 m. 22 d. At the age of 4 he with his parents moved to Manheim, Ont., where he grew to manhood. In his youth he prepared himself for the teaching profession, which he followed for twenty-five years. The greater part of his life he also engaged in farming. He also served the community as conveyancer and administrator of many estates. As a young man he united with the Mennonite Church, and in 1885 be with his family moved to a farm near New Dundee, Ont. Immediately he became interested in the activities of the Church, one of these being the founding of S. S. in the Blenheim congregation. On Dec. 29, 1889, he was ordained to the office of deacon, in which capacity he faithfully served until a few years before his death. His place in the church services was seldom vacant. For many years he served as secretary of the Mennonite Conference of Ontario, including the work of several committees. He also was president of the local branch of the Upper Canada Bible Society for a number of years in recognition of which the Society presented him with a life membership certificate upon his retirement a few years ago. On Dec. 31, 1872, he was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Louisa, oldest daughter of Pre. Moses S. Bowman, in which union they lived for 59 years. They were blessed with 4 sons and 3 daughters. The mother, 1 son (Ezra), predeceased him. Three survive: Gilbert, Milton, Herbert, Mrs. Menno Nahrgang, and Mrs. Fred Miller; also 12 grandchildren, 2 brothers, and 1 sister. He enjoyed good health until within a few hours of his death, which was the result of an acute heart attack. He will be missed in the home, in the Church, and in the community. He left a bright testimony. His daily prayer was, "If thou Lord shouldst take any of us from this world before this day is over, may we be prepared to meet thee in peace." Funeral services were held March 28, from the home of his son, Gilbert, and at the Blenheim Mennonite Church where a large concourse of people had assembled to show their respect. Services were conducted at the house by M. H. Shantz, and at the church by Bros. M. Hallman and S. F. Coffman. Text, II Tim. 4: 7, 8. Interment in adjoining cemetery.

Gospel Herald - Volume XXV, Number 2 - April 14, 1932 pages 45, 46, 47

_________________________

Bergey, David (1845-1932) (3 July 1845-1932).

"A prominent leader of the Ontario Mennonites (Mennonite Church), David Bergey was born on 3 July 1845 in Preston, Waterloo Co., ON, the fifth child of Jacob Bergey and Elizabeth Eby, who were of Swiss-German descent. He married Louisa Bowman, daughter of Moses Bowman. Of their seven children, their son Gilbert became secretary of the Ontario Mennonite Conference, following his father's service in the same capacity for a quarter of a century. Bergey received his education in the public school in Mannheim, the high school in Kitchener, and the normal school in Toronto. In early life he was received as a member of the Mennonite congregation near Mannheim known as Latschar, where he attended until in 1885. He moved to farms west of New Dundee and became deacon of the Blenheim congregation in December 1889. His place of residence was usually on a farm either in Waterloo Township or Wilmot Township. He lived in the town of Waterloo for several years. He was a gifted man and contributed to the community in various ways. Besides being a schoolteacher, he was a charter member of the Rural Telephone Company; he served on the board of the Mennonite Aid Union; he was the district member for the conference on the Mennonite Evangelizing and Benevolent Board; he was instrumental in organizing Sunday schools at Latschar, at Blenheim, and probably in the rural areas south; he served on the local public school board, in the young people's meeting organization of the church, and as superintendent of the Sunday school. He was also a life member of the British and Foreign Bible Society"

Fretz, Joseph C. "Bergey, David (1845-1932)." Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. 1953. Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. Retrieved 12 Nov 2005

David married Louisa Bowman 31 Dec 1872, New Hamburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Louisa (daughter of Rev. Moses B. Bowman and Anna Cressman) was born 28 Nov 1845, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 11 Jan 1931, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Louisa Bergey
• Name: Louise Bauman
• Eby ID Number: 00002-102
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1911, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Louisa Bowman, "the eldest, was born November 28th, 1845. She is married to David Bergey, a farmer. They reside near new Dundee, Ontario. They have a family of seven children"

Eby, Ezra E. (1895). A biographical history of Waterloo township and other townships of the county: being a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character. Berlin [Kitchener, Ont.]: [s.n.].

_____________________________


Bergey, Louisa, eldest daughter of Pre. Moses S. and Anna Cressman Bowman and beloved wife of deacon David Bergey, was born in Waterloo Co., Ont., Nov.28, 1845; died at her home near New Dundee,Ont., Jan.11, 1931; aged 85 y. 1. m 14d. On Dec.31, 1872, she was married to David Bergey. This union was blessed with 4 sons and 3 daughters. Two preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband, 2 daughters (Amelia and Ida ), 3 sons ( Gilbert, Milton, and Herbert), 10 grandchildren,4 sisters,4 brothers. At the age of 25 she confessed Christ and united with the Mennonite Church of which she was a faithful member to death. She was a regular attendant at church services, seldom missing a service. She was a real help to her husband in his work as deacon in the Church. She enjoyed good health all her life and bore her brief illness with patience; looking forward in happy anticipation for the triumphal entry into the Glory World. Her last desire was to be "where there is fullness of joy and pleasure forever-more." Funeral services were held Jan.14, at the home and at Blenheim Mennonite Church near New Dundee,Ont., by Bros. M.H. Shantz and S.F. Coffman. Text, II Cor.5: 9. Interment in cemetery nearby.

Gospel Herald - Vol. XXIII, No. 45 - February 5, 1931, page 958, 959

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/42566986
• Eby ID Number: 00075-4300
• Residence: 1851, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonist
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1881, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Occupation: 1881, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1891, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer
• Residence: 1891, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1901, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer
• Occupation: 1911, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer, Block Layer
• Residence: 1911, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Amos S. Martin, "was born September 26th, 1849. On December 10th, 1872, he was married to Magdalena, daughter of Isaac and Magdalena (Groff) Musselman. She was born December 25th, 1853. They reside in Elmira and have a family of eight children"


Eby, Ezra E. (1895). A biographical history of Waterloo township and other townships of the county: being a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character. Berlin [Kitchener, Ont.]: [s.n.].

Amos married Magdaline G. Musselman 10 Dec 1872. Magdaline (daughter of Isaac Musselman and Magdalena Groff) was born 25 Dec 1853, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 17 Jul 1922; was buried , Elmira Mennonite Cemetery, Elmira, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/42567168
• Name: Magdaline G. Martin
• Eby ID Number: 00083-4983
• Residence: 1911, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Magdalena G. Musselman, "was born December 25th, 1853. She was married to Amos Martin and resides in Elmira, Ontario. They have seven children"


Eby, Ezra E. (1895). A biographical history of Waterloo township and other townships of the county: being a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character. Berlin [Kitchener, Ont.]: [s.n.].

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00110-6734
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Gravestone of Noah Shantz
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1883, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1901, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1911, Haysville, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1911, Haysville, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Noah S. Shantz, "was born May 16th, 1859. On March 6th, 1883, he was married to Susannah Cassel who was born March 3rd, 1860. They reside in Wilmot Township where he is engaged in farming."


Eby, Ezra E. (1895). A biographical history of Waterloo township and other townships of the county: being a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character. Berlin [Kitchener, Ont.]: [s.n.].

_____________________


Shantz.-Noah S., youngest son of Joseph Y. and Elizabeth (Stauffer) Shantz, was born in Wilmot Twp., on May 16, 1859; died at his home in Baden, Ont., May 7, 1936. He was in his 77th year. He had been in failing health for some time, and while he was able to be around, his death came suddenly, due to a heart attack. On March 6, 1883, he was united in marriage to Susannah B. Cassel, also of Wilmot Twp. After their marriage they moved to their homestead farm where they resided until thirteen years ago when they took up their residence in the village of Baden, Ont. This union was blessed with 11 children, 6 of whom have predeceased him. Those surviving are his wife, 3 sons and 2 daughters (Laura, wife of Tobias Shantz of Waterloo; Marian, wife of Reuben Steiner of Lima, Ohio; Lincoln C. of Kitchener; Walter C. on the old homestead; Dr. Stauffer C., also of Kitchener), 10 grandchildren, 1 brother, 4 sisters, and a host of friends. In the winter of 1886 he with his companion confessed Christ as their personal Savior and united with the Mennonite Church to which faith he remained true to the end. He was a member of the Blenheim congregation and served as an officer of the Sunday school for a number of years and was at the time of his death a member of the board of trustees. The funeral was held May 10, with services at his home and also at the Blenheim Mennonite Church, conducted by M. H. Shantz, assisted by M. Hallman. Text, I Pet. 1: 3-5. Burial in adjoining cemetery.


Gospel Herald, May 21, 1936 - Vol. XXIX, No.8 - page 175, 176

Noah married Susannah Cassel 6 Mar 1883, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Susannah (daughter of Henry B. Cassel and Mary Ann Bricker) was born 3 Mar 1860, Blenheim Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada; died 13 Mar 1937, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Susannah Shantz
• Eby ID Number: 00016-1328.5
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Gravestone of Susannah Cassel
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1883, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1911, Haysville, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1937, 39 Rudy St., Waterloo, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Cassel.-Susannah, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Henry B. Cassel, was born in Waterloo Co., Ont., March 3, 1860: died March 13 1937, at the home of her daughter in Waterloo. She was in her 78th year. On March 6, 1883, she was united in matrimony to the late Noah S. Shantz, also of Wilmot, who predeceased her 10 months ago. Two daughters (Mrs. Tobias Shantz of Waterloo and Mrs. Marian Steiner of Lima, Ohio) and 3 sons (Lincoln C. of Kitchener, Walter C. of Wilmot, and Dr. Stauffer C. of Kitchener), 10 grandchildren and 2 brothers (Samuel of Kitchener, and Ephraim of New Hamburg) survive. She accepted Christ as her personal Savior and united with the Mennonite church a few years after her marriage and has been a consistent member of Blenheim congregation ever since. Her constant testimony was to serve her Lord and she had a longing desire to depart and be with her Master, especially since the passing of her late husband. Her desire has been granted and though her lips may be silent and her hands cease to minister, yet her labors will still go on for "she being dead yet speaketh." "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth; Yea saith the Spirit that they may rest from their labours and their works do follow them." Funeral services were held on March 16 with Bro. J. B. Martin at the home and at the Blenheim Mennonite Church with M. H. Shantz in charge. Text, Job 14 : 14, 15. Burial in adjoining cemetery.

Gospel Herald, April 15, 1937 - Vol. XXX, No.3 - page 62,63,64

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Golden Wedding Celebrated

On Monday, March 6th, Mr. and Mrs. Noah Shantz, of Baden, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at their old homestead near New Dundee, where their son, Mr. Walter Shantz, now resides. The bridesmaid and best man of fifty years ago were present for the occasion, namely, Mrs. Ezra Cressman, of Plattsville, and Mr. Samuel Cassel, of Kitchener. A sumptuous dinner was served from a table prettily arranged with gold tapers and centered with the wedding cake decorated in gold and white. A unique feature of the dinner was that the set of dishes used had been brought to this country from Pennsylvania by Mrs. Shantz's grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Bricker, almost 100 years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Shantz received lovely gifts and congratulations from their many friends. During the afternoon a program was given consisting of songs of yester-year and short addresses. Mr. and Mrs. Shantz's children and grandchildren were all present.

Independent Mar 10 1933 pg 4

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"Many Ontario Mennonite women were known for their hospitality, but few Indians were found among their recipients. What Susannah Shantz may have done to merit the gift which she received from two Indian women has been lost to memory - only the memory of the gift remains.

'FOR YOUR LITTLE PAPOOSE'

Susanna Bricker Cassel was born in Wilmot Township, Waterloo County. Her home was on the Huron Road, west of Haysville. Her father, Henry B.Cassel, her grandfather, Peter Bricker, and her great grandfather Sam Bricker had pioneered their respective farms in the Waterloo District.

When Susannah married Noah S. Shantz they took up residence on a farm south of the Huron Road, two miles east of Haysville, and became active members of the Blenheim Mennonite church. (This church has since merged with the Biehn congregation to form the Nith Valley Mennonite Church).The Shantz home was known for its warm hospitality to strangers as well as friends. Immigrant labourers from Europe found both employment and a home with Noah and Susannah.

On the Shantz farm there remained a heavy stand of hardwood and pine forest. Each year several Indian families came and camped in an old lumber shack on the edge of the forest while they harvested ginseng, the root of which was used for medicinal purposes.

One day, several months after the birth of her oldest child, Susannah responded to a knock on her kitchen door and found two Indian women standing there. The one had a small child with her. The older woman held a beautiful, hand-woven doll cradle fashioned from black ash which she shyly handed to Susannah, saying 'for your little papoose'.

This doll cradle and this intriguing tale of a Mennonite woman's interaction with native Indians was handed down to Susannah's daughters and grand daughters. Unfortunately the cradle has not been seen since the family moved from the old homestead, but the memory remains.

When this story was recounted to someone who was acquainted with the ways of Indian people, he responded that Indians presented gifts to persons whom they hold in high regard. Since that conversation the grand daughters have wondered about previous contacts their grandmother may have had with these two Indian women. Her hospitality, no doubt, had also been extended to them, prompting this generous gift."

Willing Service:Stories of Ontario Mennonite Women", pg. 248-49

Other Events:

• Historic Business: 1820'S, 90 Old Mill Road, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Blair
• Land: Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 059, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Eby ID Number: 00101-5663
• Immigration: 1862, , Ontario, Canada
• Immigration: 1862, , Ontario, Canada
• Immigration: 1862
• Residence: 1866, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Miller
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Business: 1878, Bridgeport (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lancaster Flour Millers
• Naturalization: 1878
• Occupation: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Miller
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Public Service: 1892, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Treasurer - Waterloo Township
• Occupation: 1901, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Miller Flour
• Occupation: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Miller
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Peter Shirk, "son of Christian and Elizabeth (Hoffman) Shirk, is a native of Canarvon Township, Lancaster County Pa., where he was born November 11th, 1839. When a young man he left his native state and went to Canada, arriving at Berlin, Ontario, May 1st, 1862. Here he had his home with his uncle the late Jacob Hoffman in whose services he was for nearly two months, piling lumber and assisting in the saw mill. From here he went to the town of Waterloo and engaged himself as miller with D. H. Moyer & Co. who were then the proprietors of the Union Mills. After E. and S. S. Snider became proprietors of the mills he continued his services with the new firm until December 1st, 1866, when he purchased the Blair Mills. Here Mr. Shirk did a well paying business until December, 1869, when he sold the mills and, entering into partnership with Mr. S. S. Snider of Waterloo, purchased in December of the same year (1869) the Lancaster Mills of Bridgeport where he has since been engaged very extensively in manufacturing patent and high grade flour. In 1887 Mr. Snider retired from the firm, thus leaving Mr. Shirk sole proprietor of the extensive business. In connection with the Lancaster Mills, Mr. Shirk is also proprietor of the Baden Mills which he purchased from Mr. James Livingstone in 1889. Mr Shirk commenced life as a farmer's boy and being possessed with but little of this world's substance, he, by energy and perseverance and being naturally gifted with first class business qualities, besides having a good character, gradually worked his way up from one position to another and is now rated as one of our well-to-do millers (See his rating in the Mercantile Agency for the Dominion of Canada by R. G. Dun & Co.) of the province. Of late years he has been identified with public life and has held prominent positions of honour and trust, thus proving for himself a record of which no one has any need of feeling ashamed. On June 5th, 1866, he was married to Magdalena, daughter of John and Anna (Weber) Martin. She was born March 2nd, 1845. They reside in Bridgeport, Ontario. To them were born the following children"


Eby, Ezra E. (1895). A biographical history of Waterloo township and other townships of the county: being a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character. Berlin [Kitchener, Ont.]: [s.n.].

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Shirk.--Peter Shirk was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., Nov. 11, 1839; died in Bridgeport, Ont., on Oct. 1, 1919; aged 79 y. 10 m. 20 d. Bro. Shirk came to Canada in 1862 and entered the milling business. He was married twice, his first wife being Magdalene Martin who died 24 years ago and the second wife was Judith Krampien who survives. There are also left to mourn his departure ten children, 38 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Funeral Services were held on Oct. 6 at First Mennonite Church, Kitchener, Ont. The services at the house were conducted by Bro. Noah Stauffer and at the Church by the brethren Jonas Snider, Urias Martin and Manasseh Hallman.

Gospel Herald - Vol. XII, No. 30 - October 23, 1919

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PETER SHIRK

It will be of interest to know a little of his ancestors. The first we have record of was Ulrich Shirk who came from Switzerland in 1832 to Pennsylvania with his six sons and two daughters. One son was named Peter who had a son named Joseph and Joseph had a son named Christian.

Peter Shirk was the son of Christian and Elizabeth (Hoffman) Shirk and was a native of Caernarvon Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where he was born November 11th, 1839. He came from a poor family which made it necessary for him to go to work and help support the family when eleven years of age. He worked hard and had long hours, but he was eager to learn so studied a good deal at night. He learned the milling trade at Peter Rupe's flour mill near Churchtown, Pennsylvania.

When he was a young man he left his native state and came to Canada with his eldest sister Barbara, arriving at Berlin (Kitchener) on May 1st, 1861. He made his home with his uncle, the late Jacob Hoffman in whose services he was for nearly two months piling lumber and assisting in the saw mills. (Jacob Hoffman's saw mill was situated where Schreiter's Furniture Store now stands). From here he went to the village of Waterloo and engaged himself as miller with D. H. Moyer & Co., who were then the proprietors of the Union Mills. After E. and S. S. Snider became proprietors of the mills he continued with the new firm until December 1st, 1866, when he purchased the Blair Mills. Here he did a well paying business until December, 1869, when he sold the mills and entered into partnership with Samuel Snider in Bridgeport. In 1887 Peter Shirk bought Mr. Snider's interest in the company and continued the business under the name of Shirk & Snider until 1910 when the firm name was changed to Shirk & Snider Ltd., Peter Shirk as President and his eldest son Geo. M. as managing-director.

On August 17th, 1889, the Baden Mills were purchased from James Livingstone, the business having grown to such an extent that it was necessary to increase its capacity. The two mills, Bridgeport and Baden had a combined capacity of 250 barrels per day.

The Bridgeport flour mill of Shirk & Snider Ltd. is one of the old industries of Waterloo County, this mill having been built in 1830 and the dam, of about 25 acres, in 1829, by Jacob Shoemaker. Mr. Shoemaker operated the mill for 20 years when he sold to Elias Eby who had it for the following 20 years. Peter Shirk and S. S. Snider bought from Mr. Eby in 1870. The buildings were always kept in good repair and the machinery modern.

In addition to the mill Peter Shirk also owned and operated a cooperage, supplying the barrels for the Bridgeport, Baden, Waterloo and other mills. Most of the flour was sold and shipped in barrels in the earlier days. All the export flour had to be teamed to Dundas in the early days as that was the nearest shipping station. After 1856 the flour was teamed to Berlin (now Kitchener.) In 1903, through the influence and efforts of Peter Shirk a spur line was extended direct to the mill from the beet sugar factory of that time.

The company 's products always had an enviable reputation both locally and in the foreign markets. The special flour brands were "Buda" a blended flour for all purposes (this getting its name from the abbreviation of Budapest, Hungary, where the first roller mills were used) ; "Two Sisters" a special flour for pastry and cakes and "Evangeline" a pure Manitoba flour for bread.

Peter Shirk was in his youth possessed of but little of this world's substance, but by energy and perservance and being naturally gifted with first class business qualities besides having a good character, he gradually worked his way up from one position to another and to affluence. In his later years he was identified with public life and held prominent positions of honor and trust. He was on the board of trustees of the Kitchener and Waterloo Collegiate and Technical Institute about 30 years. During his term he was instrumental in having Manual Training and Household Science added to the curriculum. He was treasurer of Waterloo Township for 20 years when he resigned, being succeeded by his son, Geo. M., who held the position for 15 years. Allen Shirk has been Township Treasurer for the past 6 years, since the death of his father Geo. M. Shirk.

Peter Shirk was married on June 5th, 1866, to Magdalena (Weber) Martin. Mrs. Peter Shirk's grandfather was Abraham Weber who in company with Benj. Eby and wife, Samuel Eby and family, Joseph Schneider and family, and others, came to this section of Waterloo County on June 2nd, 1807. The Conestogo driven by Abraham Weber on his trip from Lan-caster County, Pennsylvania, in 1807, is now in the Waterloo Historical Society Museum.

Soon after Abraham Weber's arrival in Canada he married Elizabeth Cressman and they settled on the corner of King and Wilmot Streets where the Canadian Goodrich plant is now situated. It was at this place that Mrs. Peter Shirk's mother was born, on August 14th, 1811, being one of the first children born in Berlin (Kitchener).

To Mr. and Mrs. Peter Shirk were born the following children: Peter, Anna, George, Emma, Elizabeth, Catherine, Martin, Magdalena, John, Maria, Noah, Veronica and Barbara. Mr. Shirk's first wife died on November 7th, 1895 and Peter Shirk died on October 1st, 1919, aged 79 years. He is survived by his second wife, 1 son and 7 daughters.

-Contributed by Mrs. F. Capling, Granddaughter of Peter Shirk.

Twenty-First Annual Report of the Waterloo Historical Society, 1933

Historic Business:
Your Heritage Waterloo Region

Business:
Shirk & Snider Proprietors

Peter married Judith Weber 29 Nov 1896, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Judith (daughter of Rev. Abraham C. Weber and Judith Martin) was born 4 Jul 1855, Freeport (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 9 Apr 1942, Pinehill, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Judith Krempien
• Name: Judith Shirk
• Residence: Centreville (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: 00127-7903
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Judith Weber," the third daughter of Abraham C. Weber, was born July 4th, 1855. She was married to Charles Krampien who was born October 20th, 1852, and died May 30th, 1892. Their family consisted of five children, namely: VII Lovina, VII Norman, VII Colinda (dead), VII Menno (dead), and VII Mary. The widow resides with Jacob B. Shantz, one mile south-east of Berlin."


Eby, Ezra E. (1895). A biographical history of Waterloo township and other townships of the county: being a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character. Berlin [Kitchener, Ont.]: [s.n.].

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Shirk. - Mrs. Judith Shirk passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Walter Shantz, at Pine Hill, Ont., April 9, 1942; aged 86 y. 9 m. 5 d. The deceased was a daughter of the late Abraham Weber and Judith Martin and was the last surviving member of a family of 16 children. She was born in Freeport, Ont., on July 4, 1855. She was united in marriage to Charles Krempien and resided near Centreville, Ont., until his death 48 years ago. In November 1896, she was again united in marriage, this time to Peter Shirk of Bridgeport, Ont., who predeceased her on Oct. 1, 1919. She was a lifelong adherent and member of the Mennonite Church, in which faith she passed away. She leaves to mourn her loss 1 son, Norman Krempien of Acadia Valley, Alta.; also 2 daughters, Mrs. Walter Snider of Bridgeport and Mrs. Walter Shantz of Pine Hill. One stepson, Noah Shirk of Bridgeport, and 7 stepdaughters -- Mrs. William Kraft, Bridgeport; Mrs. Gideon Bechtel, Baden; Mrs. Catherine Shantz, Kitchener; Mrs. Isaiah Cressman, Kitchener; Mrs. Addison D. Snyder, Bloomingdale; Mrs. Addison S. Snider, Bridgeport; and Mrs. Benjamin Drudge of Bridgeport, also survive. One daughter, Mrs. Charles Himburg of Edmonton, Alta., predeceased her two years ago. The funeral was held at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Walter Shantz, with services conducted by Bro. Moses N. Baer, and at the First Mennonite Church, Kitchener, Ont., where the service was conducted by Bishop Manasseh Hallman. Interment in adjoining cemetery. Texts, Prov. 16: 31; Ps. 107: 30.


Gospel Herald - Vol. XXXV, No . 6 - May 7, 1942 - pages 126,127